Sewage treatment plants are being established on the banks of Mahanadi, Sheonath, Kharun, Arpa and Kelo where domestic waste water flows into the rivers, the Chhattisgarh Environment Conservation Board (CECB) said on Friday.

The CECB said as per a directive of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) for establishment of effluent treatment plants before July 1, 2021 in urban areas, directives have been given to urban bodies for installing and operating them.

In addition, such plants will be set up on the major drains, it said in a statement.

CECB further said that the water pollution has been effectively controlled by installing effluent treatment plants in all the industries having water affluent as a by-product. Continuous monitoring is done to test the water quality of natural water sources.

All the regional offices ensure that all the established industries in the state, mainly using water, establish effluent treatment plants within the premises. If the industries violate it, either they are shut down or power supply is snapped.

If necessary, legal proceedings are initiated, said the statement.

The water released from the industrial area of Bhanpuri, Urla and Siltara in Raipur district is not affecting the quality of drains and Kharun river water. Most industries are involved in air pollution and there is less release of water.

Natural water sources mainly of rivers Mahanadi, Sheonath, Kharun, Arpa, Hasdeo, Kelo, Shankani-Dankani, Mand and Indravati are regularly collected for testing. The reports confirm that the water in the key rivers is fit for drinking after traditional treatment.

CECB also takes samples of the tributaries of the rivers, ponds, lakes, barrages and dams.